Contreversy Surrounding Stem Cell Research

            With the development of embryonic stem cell research, controversy often arises when defining human life. As tiny as a breadcrumb, an embryo can be defined two different ways. Scientists define an embryo as a clump of cells that possess genetic information that could develop into a human baby. However, pro-life advocates, and multiple Christian factions define an embryo as the tiniest member of the human species. "The issue about the status of an embryo has two parts. First, what sort of thing is an embryo? Second, what moral status does an embryo have? The first question is easier to answer in some ways. Obviously an embryo contains genetic information and has the potential to develop into a child and then an adult. However, once you begin to talk about whether or not an embryo is a person or a "member- of the human species, the matter becomes more complex,"" stated Bioethicist Glenn McGee in a recent interview with MSNBC.com about the future of stem cell research. If the scientist's definition of an embryo is taken as fact, then destroying an embryo for the purpose of research for medical advancement is logical. If the alternative definition is true, then destroying an embryo for research is equivalent to murder. .
             Biologically an embryo forms two weeks after fertilization, and is considered a fetus nine weeks after that. However, in order for an embryo to develop into a fetus, it must first be housed inside of a womb. Until then, the embryo is comparable to a tiny frozen person who will never step foot in reality. Researchers want to extract stem cells from human the tiny frozen person, an embryo, for research that they hope will greatly affect various medical fields. .
             So what is a stem cell, and why are they important? Stem cells are the building blocks of all other cells in the body, and have the ability to differentiate into other cell types, including those in the brain, heart, bones, muscles, and skin.